NEWS

Ceramic Centre will attend CERSAIE – International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, which will be held in Bologna from September 25 to 29, 2017.
We hope many of you will come to the Hall – Service Centre at the Confindustria Ceramica Stand: we will be pleased to illustrate a series of offers - especially conceived for the Fair, but in force until the end of 2017 - concerning some types of tests on ceramic tiles.
This year’s news is that we will attend the event with the Project IPERCER - Process innovation for the sustainable ceramic tile chain as well – Hall CS, Stand 3.

The Ceramic Centre was invited both to “CeramTech – International Ceramic Exhibition” in Isfahan (IR) from Sept. 6th to 9th 2017, and the IV “Tile and Ceramic Congress + Digital Printing Technology”, which took place on the same dates.
In the framework of the Conference Session, Prof. M.C. Bignozzi presented an oral presentation concerning “Large format tile production: new opportunities in technology and testing methods”. Among the invited research centres invited, was included also the Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica-ITC (E), of which the Ceramic Centre is a partner in several EU Projects.

Ceramic Centre attended the “3rd monitoring meeting” of the EU Project SILIFE – “Production of Quartz Powders with Reduced Crystalline Silica Toxicity”, at the ITC headquarters in Castellón (E), on June 8, 2017. The main purpose of SILIFE is to reduce the impact on the health of workers deriving from exposure to crystalline silica.
The prospect is to replace the standard quartz powder with processed quartz powder, in order to obtain a material with decreased toxicity, but with the same technical performance.

The REMEB international partners promote the project in Brussels by the hand of PARTENALIA

The partner of REMEB Project have travelled to Brussels to boost their visibility and make themselves known among the main European working groups related to waste valorisation, water management, and the ceramic production sector. The initiative is endorsed by the European association for territorial cooperation “PARTENALIA”… Follow to read.

At Ceramic Centre more tests on tableware

The Ceramic Centre has bought a new device, specific for tests on tableware.
It is the pendulum to determine the impact resistance of non-metallic articles in contact with food, used for catering and industrial use, where such items are subject to remarkable impact, according to EN 12980:2000.
The equipment (mod. SFT S1-2122 – EN 12980) allows the Ceramic Centre to increase the range of tests available for tableware manufacturers.

Ceramic Centre has been formally accepted and recognised by Intertek as a CAP (Conformity Assesement Programmes)-Approved Laboratory, to carry out the relevant tests and analysis necessary for exporting products in the following countries:

On March 30-31, 2017 the Ceramic Centre has attended the periodic meeting of the Project Partners at the headquarters of Imeca Process (F), specialized in water filtration systems.
The main subject of the meeting was represented by the fact that Imeca has completed the manufacturing of the membrane bioreactor and assembled all the components of the system for its implementation at the wastewater treatment plant in Aledo, Murcia (E). The hydraulic and electrical tests for its set-up are already being performed as well. Data on water quality and running costs will be shortly available. Moreover, the Project has been presented to key stakeholders for dissemination, as the European Institute of Membranes – international reference laboratory in the field of membranes and materials processes – and SWELIA, Association of water sector professionals of the Occitan French region, both bodies based in Montpellier.

Natucer collaborates with REMEB, backing diversification in the ceramic sector

On Feb. 17, 2017, FACSA, ITC-UJI, and the Valencia region Council of Chambers of Commerce presented the EU Project REMEB project in a press conference together with the ceramic manufacturing company Natucer, which is manufacturing the REMEB ceramic membranes to be used for water treatment. In the event, covered by multiple media from the province of Castellón and Valencia region, the several representatives talked about the project background, its objectives, the advantages of using this technology and the difficulties faced during its development.

On Feb. 1, 2017, Ceramic Centre attended a meeting at the Municipality of Fiorano Modenese, during which both Mayor and town Council offered their helpfulness to carry out a feasibility study concerning a draining tiling by using ceramic tiles with low added value, in agreement with the model that the EU Project Life CERSUDS is developing in the town of Benicàssim (Castellón, E). Through this commitment, the City of Fiorano takes action perfectly aligned to the integrated approach that aims at mitigating and adapting to climate change required by the “Covenant of Mayors”. The “Covenant of Mayors” includes thousands of local authorities involved on a voluntary basis to achieve, on the territory of competence, the EU goals for energy and the climate.

Tuesday, January 17, ITC-AICE (E) hosted, within the Project EU Life-CERSUDS, the meeting of a Working Group consisting of over 20 experts representing various organisations, institutions, companies, in addition to the members of the Project Consortium, including Ceramic Centre.
The purpose was to investigate the characteristics of the Project EU Life-CERSUDS, analyze the transition model towards sustainable urban drainage systems, and to promote its implementation on regional and national scale, in order to avoid the harmful effects of climate changes and reduce CO2 emissions.

Ceramic Centre and FGK sum up the situation on new techniques for the ceramic surface characterization

On 23 and 24 November, Dr. Marcel Engels and Dr. Miriam Miehling, both of FGK (Forschungsinstitut für Anorganische Werkstoffe -Glas/Keramik- GmbH) visited the Ceramic Centre. Main theme was the discussion of the issues concerning surface characterization of ceramic tiles by means of optical profilometry, a technique used both at CC and the FGK for the study of the resistance to slip of such products.
Dr. Engels also held a Seminar at the School of Engineering and Architecture, University of Bologna, entitled “Surface characterization as a basis for the evaluation of slip resistance and cleaning behavior of ceramic tile surfaces”.

Centro Ceramico at 20th European Forum on Eco-innovation

Centro Ceramico attended the 20th European Forum on Eco-innovation, held in Tallinn (Estonia) from Oct. 26-28 2016. The Forum examined financing opportunities for eco-innovative SMEs and showcased successful companies who have succeeded in attracting investors and growing their business. It explored the enabling factors and challenges of transitioning to a circular business model and addressed these through the lens of business, finance and public sector.
Dr. E. Rambaldi presented EU Project Wincer in the framework of the B2I (business to investor) matchmaking session.

ACeramic Centre has led at SAIE 2016 Fair the EU Project SILIFE – “Production of Quartz Powders with Reduced Crystalline Silica Toxicity”.
The main purpose of SILIFE is to reduce the impact on the health of workers deriving from exposure to crystalline silica.
The prospect is to replace the standard quartz powder with processed quartz powder, in order to obtain a material with decreased toxicity, but with the same technical performance.
Participation in this Fair is of particular importance, because SAIE includes, among the various areas, Session “Work Environment”, the only Italian exhibition initiative dedicated to health and safety in the workplace.

On November 2 in Castellon (E), at ITC headquarters, the 1st Annual Meeting was held.

Dr. G. Bonvicini (Ceramic Centre) at SAIE 2016.

The European Commission has funded the Project LIFE-CERSUDS in the framework of theProgramme LIFE 2014-2020.Centro Ceramico is partner of the Project, coordinated by ITC (E). The prime objective is the development and implementation of a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) whose “skin” consists of an innovative system, with a low environmental impact, made using in-stock ceramic tile of little commercial value. In comparison to traditional systems, such SUDS can reduce surface run-off water by almost 90%, enabling reuse in irrigation, decreasing diffuse pollution and improving water quality.The project involves also the Municipality of Fiorano Modenese (I), one of the municipalities included in the Ceramic District of the Emilia-Romagna Region, who has expressed its willingness to host a reproduction of the SUDS demonstrator using in-stock ceramic tiles. The activities started on Oct. 13, 2016, on the occasion of the kick-off meeting at headquarters of ITC in Castellón (E). Moreover, on Nov. 22 a meeting has been held, with the participation of an EU Commissioner.

See the new video about the Project results

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On October 6 and 7, 2016 Partners of EU Project REMEB gathered at Ceramic Centre for the annual meeting.
During the meeting, representatives of all partner entities reported their progresses and made an assessment of the achieved outcomes throughout the first year of the project execution.The meeting concluded with the definition of next steps to be followed by the project partners in order to reach the established goals.

Gabbrielli technology and Ceramic Centre participated together at Tecnargilla, in the framework of a collaboration project aimed to create the best synergy between these two historical entities.Gabbrielli showed a preview of the most innovative technological solutions for the ceramic sector, allowing visitors to experience first hand the functionalities and characteristics of its new instruments, and providing all business information about its products and services.Ceramic Centre, which uses for many years Gabbrielli instruments for the characterisation and certification of the ceramic products, made available the knowledge of its technicians to provide technical-informative support.

Ceramic Centre attended CERSAIE, at the front desk of Confindustria Ceramica (Service Center), informing visitors about the latest National and European R&D projects specifically targeted to the ceramic tile industry.

Ceramic Centre celebrated 40 years of activity

On June 21, at the headquarters of Confindustria Ceramica in Sassuolo, Ceramic Centre celebrated 40 years of activity.
Over 150 participants attended the event, including CEOs and managers of ceramics industries, plant companies, surface treatment companies, lecturers and researchers of the University, representative of Certification Bodies, reporters, etc.
It was May 5, 1976, when representatives of the Institutions founding the Consortium signed the Convention for the establishment of an entity still unique today.
The meeting recalled the four decades of the University Consortium Ceramic Centre, devoted to research, technology transfer, innovation and certification for the ceramics industry, in collaboration with industrial associations and local Government.
The meeting was opened by the President of the Ceramic Centre and the President of Confindustria Ceramica, followed by, the speeches of Modena Mayor, Council Member for Productive Activities of the Emilia-Romagna Region, and the Rector of the University of Bologna.
Afterwards, Giorgio Timellini – past Director (2006-2014) – outlined the history of the Ceramic Centre, whereas Maria Chiara Bignozzi – Director from 2015 – depicted the current situation and the future paths of the Ceramic Centre.
The event ended with buffet, cake and toast in the park.

EU Project REMEB at PERMEA 2016 International Conference

REMEB “Eco-Friendly Ceramic Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Based on Recycled Agricultural and Industrial Wastes for Waste Water Reuse” has been presented by the Project Coordinator FACSA (E) at PERMEA (Prague, May 15-19 2016), the reference international conference for the research in membrane technology.

After one year from the starting of the Project activities, significant results were achieved, by production in the laboratory of industrial prototypes of innovative and sustainable ceramic tiles in different formats. The products contain up to 99% of recycled material, sinter at lower temperatures than the traditional porcelain stoneware, and allow to achieve a considerable energy saving.

EU Project SILIFE to the most important Spanish events in the ceramic sector

The EU Project SILIFE “Production of quartz powders with reduced crystalline silica toxicity”, has been presented in Valencia during Cevisama 2016 by an oral presentation and in Castellón, at Qualicer, by a poster presentation. SILIFE has been funded in the framework of LIFE 2014 and involves 10 European Partners. The main purpose is to replace the standard quartz powder with processed quartz powder, in order to obtain a material with decreased toxicity, but with the same technical performance.

Project REMEB at Regional Climate InfoDay in Valencia (E)

Professor Enrique Sánchez from Universitat Jaume I of Castellón (Spain), member of the Project REMEB consortium, has participated in a presentation where he has discussed the criteria that characterise this initiative regarding sustainability, climate, environment, water, eco-innovation, resource efficiency and raw materials. The meeting has been held in Valencia (E) on Nov. 10 2015, read all details in the press release.

International Workshop “Research and innovation for a sustainable waste management”

The Workshop has been held on Oct. 15, 2015 at Dept. of Engineering “E. Ferrari” – Univ. of Modena and Reggio Emilia. It has given an updated technical and scientific contribution about the subject of wastes, in order to foster the implementation of “best available techniques and practices” in the sustainable management of wastes/residues/by-products/end of waste, with particular attention to those chemically hazardous. The Workshop was addressed to public and private bodies, companies, lecturers, researchers and students involved in environmental issues for sustainable development. Centro Ceramico has presented the paper: “Wastes: new sustainable resources for the building industry” – M.C. Bignozzi, E. Rambaldi.

Another EU Project funded for the Ceramic Centre

The EU Project “SILIFE – PRODUCTION OF QUARTZ POWDERS WITH REDUCED CRYSTALLINE SILICA TOXICITY” has been funded, after being submitted to EU Call for proposals LIFE 2014 – subprogramme: ENVIRONMENT, priority area: ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY. The Project will last 4 years and involves 10 European Partners. The main purpose of SILIFE is to reduce the impact on the health of workers deriving from exposure to crystalline silica. The prospect is to replace the standard quartz powder with processed quartz powder, in order to obtain a material with decreased toxicity, but with the same technical performance. The Kick-off Meeting has been held on Oct. 14, at Univ. Jaume I, Castellón (E).

European Project REMEB. activities started

Activities started within the European Project “REMEB - Eco-Friendly Ceramic Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Based on Recycled Agricultural and Industrial Wastes for Waste Water Reuse”, funded in February 2015. The aim of the Project is the implementation and validation of low-cost ceramic membrane bioreactors (MBR), to be used in wastewater treatment plants. On Sept. 14 and 15 the kick-off meeting hase been held, see the press release.

Project WINCER

WINCER (Waste Synergy in the production of Innovative CERamics) Project has been funded, after being submitted to EU Call for proposals CIP-EIP-ECO-INNOVATION-2013. The project, in which Ceramic Centre is partner with Fincibec S.p.A. (Sassuolo, MO, Italy) and Minerali Industriali S.r.l. (Novara, Italy) has officially started the activities on January 27, 2015 and will last three years. The details of WINCER are available in the Project Database of CIP EcoInnovation Projects.

Ceramic Centre at Qualicer 20163 March 2017
The XIV edition of Qualicer has been held in Castellón (E) on 8 and 9 February 2016 and the presentations - oral or poster - were divided in three groups of subjects: Block A – Ceramic enterprise and markets; Block B – Ceramic tile and construction; Block C – Ceramic tile manufacture.
Ceramic Centre has participated with two oral presentations.

Director of Ceramic Centre Convener of ISO TC 189 WG13 March 2017
Prof. Maria Chiara Bignozzi, Director of Ceramic Centre, was unanimously appointed Convener of the Working Group 1 "Test Methods" of ISO Technical Committee 189 "Ceramic Tiles", during the last meeting of the TC, held in Seville (E) from 7 to 9 Nov. 2015.

Ceramic Centre at NanotechItaly1 March 2017
Three days with 11 scientific sessions, six thematic workshops, a poster session, an exhibiting area and a specific brokerage event. Centro Ceramico attended the Session concerning Materials & Graphene-Based Innovation

International Congress “CERMODEL 2015″22 February 2016
Ceramic Centre attended the Conference with a work carried out in the framework of the Line of Research of Ceramic Centre "Study and optimisation of anti-slip properties of pedestrian ceramic surfaces"

Conference on Legislative Decree 102/201419 February 2016
Prof. Maria Chiara Bignozzi attended the Conference on Legislative Decree 102/2014 "Implementation of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency". The Decree implements the European Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency, which establish targets for energy saving for each Member State.

Workshop about modelling of ceramic materials19 February 2016
Ceramic Centre attended the workshop "State of the art and challenges in thermal and mechanical modelling of ceramic materials" which has brought together international experts in the field of ceramic science and material modelling and representatives from research institutes and industry.

Ceramic Centre at R2B21 October 2015
Ceramic Centre was at R2B. The request for business innovation finds a response through national and international laboratories and research centers, startups and institutions: a place of strong concreteness for those who look to the future.

Ceramic Centre Seminars21 October 2015
On Wednesday, May 13, 2015 the cycle of Ceramic Centre Seminars has been concluded. The main topics concerned Sustainability, International Standards, Safety and Surface Treatments, Innovation.

Seminar “The evolution of the new Standard ISO 9001:2015″21 October 2015
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 - h 2:00 pm, at Ceramic Centre (CC) - Sassuolo branch has been held the Seminar "The evolution of the new Standard ISO 9001:2015 (DIS Document)", organised by Certiquality and sponsored by CC.